Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when checks on the applications by beef producers for the beef special premium were first introduced; what proposals there are for monitoring these applications in the future; and if he will make a statement. [13661]
§ Mr. AncramThe beef special premium scheme has operated in Northern Ireland since 1989 and during that time all applications have been subject to on-farm602W inspections, when animals are marked by ear-punching. During 1997 the Department plans to make greater user of its computerised cattle records system in cross-checking of BSPS applications. The Department then intends to review the need for 100 per cent. inspection/marking of animals in the light of the experience gained from this additional checking.